Storer "Brand Committee Remains Intact"

State Senator Tanya Storer issued a release on the brand inspection bill in the unicameral.

 Senator Barry DeKay’s Legislative Bill 1187, known as the “brand bill,” advanced successfully through first-round debate on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature after a compromise amendment preserved the integrity of the state’s livestock brand inspection system. The committee amendment (AM 2886) initially proposed exemptions for certain industry segments from inspections and audits while restructuring the makeup of the Nebraska Brand Committee (NBC) board.

 Senators Tanya Storer, Mike Jacobson, and Paul Strommen opposed the amendment, citing concerns that it would significantly weaken the valuable inspection system.

 On Tuesday evening, Senator Mike Jacobson introduced AM 3037, which reinstated all industry segments under the system, subjecting them to either audits or inspections. The amendment also maintained an acceptable balance of representation on the Nebraska Brand Committee and established a fee structure to ensure adequate funding for the NBC’s ongoing operations. Senators Storer and Strommen supported AM 3037.

“The Nebraska Brand Committee remains intact and properly funded, which is something we would not compromise on,” said Senator Storer.

 LB 1187 will next be heard on Select File next week.